For the Love of Toss Cushions

Toss cushions have to be the fastest way to refresh an existing space, and my bedroom was in need of a cheap and cheerful update. With a few inexpensive Ikea down forms and some of my favourite fabics, I'm really happy with this colourful update! My sewing skills are another story (I have little patience/skill for it and tend to put my full body weight on the pedal to quicken the job)....

Fabrics: Schumacher 174582 Shantung Silhouette in Wisteria, GP Baker R1390-4 Paradise Bird Mauve/Sage, Dickson Howard 5200TW

Rapture and Wright

If you're any bit the fabric fanatic that I am, you'll be in love with this collection by Rapture and Wright.

Founded by Rebecca Aird and Peter Thwaites in 2002, this budding company prides itself in using the very best materials, process and designs. Holding strong to its British roots, the fabric is woven, designed and printed in the UK, which I think adds further charm to their already beautiful fabric.

Rapture and Wright sells fabric, wallpaper, custom lamp shades and furniture. Go have some fun: http://www.raptureandwright.co.uk/

Summers were invented for DEDON

That is the right order, isn't it?  DEDON outdoor furniture makes a piece of turf look like paradise.  After this perfectly sunny day, I wouldn't mind lounging poolside, strawberry daiquiri in hand, taking in the cool breeze...

But instead, I've compiled my favourite Telio fabrics for a beachy, outdoor space...with a small serving of DEDON, of course.

In a time before Ikea...

Isn't it a horrible thought?  As much as I sometimes put my nose in the air about the finest walnut buffet or delicate crystal chandelier, it's a thought I can only afford to have from 10 to 6.  After I've devoured each page of Veranda, its back to rifling through flyers on the kitchen table, hoping for something I can actually get my hands on.  See: IKEA.

My thought process on Ikea goes something like this...
Ikea = Swedish
Sweden = Beautiful people, even more beautiful design
Beautiful Swedish design = Minimalist, colourful
...and now, Colourful, Simplistic Swedish Design = Josef Frank

I'm embarrassed to admit that I just discovered the brilliant work of architect Josef Frank last week.  Apparently Google even did a Josef Frank 125th Birthday tribute to him last July.  I'm pretty sure I used Google 287 times that day (as usual), so I'm not sure how I missed that...

The creative mind of Josef Frank designed far more than buildings.  In his 81 years, he created wallpaper, fabric, furnishings, furniture and carpet.  But why am I telling you this?  Pretty sure everyone knew but me. 

Josef Frank's wallpaper designs: 








Josef Frank's fabric designs (again, where have I been?):

A few of my favourite Josef Frank furniture pieces:






I'm not sure I could ever a choose a favourite of these toss cushions...

Most importantly, a place to purchase his work:

Just Scandinavian (Tribeca, NY)

DIY Project

Okay, so I haven't got around to actually making this DIY project yet, but I think it's such a great idea that I plan on making one in the new year!

My Mom recently pointed this article out in her Canadian Living magazine, where a number of easy DIY crafts were listed. She quickly thought of me when she saw a way to use "those leftover fabric samples". Could it be because I have laundry baskets, Tupperware and shopping bags filled with leftover memos that I can't bare to part with? They're in the garage, my bedroom and probably lingering in the trunk of my car. I've thought of making toss pillows, but they're always just slightly too small. But a quilt - they might just be the perfect size!

In whatever colours, patterns or layout you like, Canadian Living suggests sewing the pieces together (here's hoping my minimal sewing skills suffice) and backing it with one large piece of fabric. What I love so much about this idea is it's easy, eco-friendly and every throw is unique. I've noticed a huge trend for "down home" decor lately - country floral, rustic upholstery and flea market collections, and I think this really touches on that. Hopefully I'll get to work over the holidays and have a beautiful throw to share with you all in the New Year! Happy sewing!